Lithuania – LKL Round 8: Lietuvos rytas are defeated by Juventus

Jamar Diggs Coincidentally all hosts won their games. The most important game in the last round took place in Utena between second ranked Lietuvos rytas (6-2) and ninth ranked Juventus (3-5) on Saturday night. Lietuvos rytas was defeated by Juventus in a tough game on the road 74-81. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 24-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Lietuvos rytas outrebounded Juventus 34-21 including 20 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Jamar Diggs (188-88, college: Wofford, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 6 assists and guard Vytautas Sulskis (200-88, college: Youngstown St., agency: Octagon Europe) who added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Juventus’ coach Antanas Sireika used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Polish guard David Logan (185-82, college: Indianapolis) responded with 22 points. Juventus moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Lietuvos rytas at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with Lietkabelis. Juventus is looking forward to face Vytautas (#7) in Prienai in the next round. Lietuvos rytas will play on the road against Neptunas (#6) in Klaipeda and is hoping to win this game. Siauliai has finally registered their first victory this season after seven consecutive loses. The win is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Nevezis (4-4) 99-92. The winners were led by American point guard Devin Patterson (180-92, college: Omaha, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored that evening 15 points and Tomas Lekunas supported him with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Even 20 points and 8 assists by Croatia guard Toni Prostran (182-91) did not help to save the game for Nevezis. Siauliai maintains tenth position with 1-7 record. Nevezis at the other side keeps the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with P.Zvaigzdes. Siauliai will play against higher ranked Lietkabelis (#3) in Panevezys in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Nevezis will play at home against the league’s leader Zalgiris and will have a slim chance for a victory.LKL top team – Zalgiris (7-1) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked Neptunas (3-5) in Kaunas 77-67. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Neptunas. The best player for the winners was Antanas Kavaliauskas who scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Mindaugas Kacinas produced 11 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Zalgiris have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 7-1 record. Loser Neptunas keeps the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Zalgiris will meet Nevezis (#4) in the next round. Neptunas will play against the league’s second-placed Lietuvos rytas and hope to secure a win. Third ranked Lietkabelis (6-2) crushed at home 8th ranked Dzukija (3-5) by 17 points 94-77, which is the biggest margin this round. Zygimantas Janavicius orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Lietkabelis moved-up to second place, which they share with Lietuvos rytas. Dzukija at the other side dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Lietkabelis’ next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Siauliai (#10) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Dzukija will play against P.Zvaigzdes (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. In the last game of round 8 Vytautas lost to P.Zvaigzdes on the opponent’s court 70-75. Zalgiris – Neptunas 77-67LKL top team – Zalgiris (7-1) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked Neptunas (3-5) in Kaunas 77-67. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Neptunas. The game was mostly controlled by Zalgiris. Neptunas managed to win third quarter 22-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was center Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-84, college: Texas A&M, agency: Interperformances) who scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Canadian-Slovenia …

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